Revealed: The top 100 places to stay in Ireland in 2016

Only five 5-star hotels make the prestigious list of 100 best places in stay in Ireland, according to the McKennas’ Guides.

According to one of Ireland’s most trusted and influential travel companies, run by John and Sally McKenna, star-ratings mean little in Irish hospitality.

The McKennas have just published STAY 2016, the latest reboot of an app featuring their take on Ireland’s 100 best places to stay

Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara. Pic: Alamy

There are a few newcomers on the list this year, including The Headfort Arms in Kells, Bog Bean in Roundstone, Connemara, the Cork International Hotel and Lorum Old Rectory in Carlow.

As for 5-star lodgings, the Conrad Hotel in Dublin, The Europe and Killarney Park in Killarney, the Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, Co. Waterford and Monart in Co. Wexford are the only ones of their rating to make the top 100 list.

River Lee, Cork. Pic: Supplied

According to the McKenna’s hospitality is less about feeling at home away from home.

‘Corporate-run hotels squeeze the spontaneity out of conviviality,’ they said.

‘What determines whether you have a great time is the ability of the owners to make you feel welcome, to cook you a delicious breakfast of Irish foods, and to offer you sound and sage advice on what you need to know and where you need to go to get the best from travelling through Ireland.’